What is the recommended treatment for suspected tension pneumothorax?

Needle Decompression of the Chest (NDC) is the recommended treatment for suspected tension pneumothorax because it directly addresses the life-threatening condition. Tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space and cannot escape, leading to increased pressure that collapses the lung and can compress major blood vessels, resulting in respiratory distress and cardiovascular instability.

NDC involves the insertion of a large-bore needle (commonly a 14-gauge) into the second intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the affected side. This procedure allows trapped air to escape, rapidly relieving pressure in the pleural cavity and facilitating lung expansion, which can stabilize the patient's condition until further definitive treatment can be provided.

In contrast, other options may be important in different scenarios but do not address the immediate life-threatening nature of tension pneumothorax. For instance, oxygen therapy is crucial for supporting adequately oxygenated blood but does not resolve the underlying pressure issue. Surgical thoracotomy is a more invasive approach typically reserved for cases where NDC is ineffective or when there are other concomitant injuries that necessitate surgical intervention. IV fluid resuscitation may be vital in managing shock or hypovolemia but does not treat the pneum